Union members deserve a vote on Boeing’s new contract offer

Boeing machinists union member Kevin Flynn walks near a union hall in support of his leaders’ rejection of Boeing’s last contract offer as he waits for a small group of protesters who instead favor a vote, Wednesday, Dec. 18, in Everett, Wash. Local union leaders rejected the offer last week because they said it was too similar to one voted down last month. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

My hope is that members will focus on the contract and on what a yes or no vote means for them and their union brothers and sisters. Emotional issues of Boeing management’s compensation, stock performance and profits are distractions. These are not contract issues.

If the 777X is built here, there is also a good case to continue to build future new airplane models here.

Union members deserve a vote on the new contract offer. The first vote was spur-of-the-moment and largely based on emotional hoopla. There has been time for contemplation on the sweetened contract offer. The stakes are high; it’s an issue of livelihood versus reduced pensions. It is time for a vote based on careful consideration.

— Loyd D. Jacobs, Bellevue

Say goodbye to Boeing and hello to Airbus

As Boeing slowly waves goodbye to the Northwest, remember, this is the same brain trust that decided to spend millions — or billions — to outsource the 787, and failed miserably.

I find it remarkable that the leaders of Boeing who caused the 787 to become flyable three years late are still at the helm.

And now, that same brain trust has decided to find a location that would allow Boeing to build the next high-tech aircraft on the cheap.

I would suggest that Washington state now turn its effort to enticing Airbus to our area. There is a superior workforce here, ready and willing to build superior aircraft. And from the looks of things, most of the infrastructure already exists.

Parts suppliers here are already doing business with other aircraft builders, including Airbus.

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